The Department today named 15 complex area teachers of the year and one charter school teacher of the year as finalists for the 2024 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year recognition.
The Hawaiʻi State Department of Education (HIDOE) today named 15 complex area teachers of the year and one charter school teacher of the year as finalists for the 2024 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year recognition.
“These outstanding educators have an unwavering dedication and passion for high-quality teaching and learning,” Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. “We are proud to recognize them as true embodiments of what it means to be an exceptional educator, and are grateful for the creative and innovative ways in which they engage their students, colleagues and communities on a daily basis.”
On Oct. 3, one teacher will be announced as the 2024 Hawaiʻi State Teacher of the Year and will go on to represent Hawaiʻi in the National Teacher of the Year program. The honor is presented annually to a teacher selected from more than 13,000 HIDOE educators. The Department will livestream the ceremony from Washington Place starting at 3 p.m.
The honored finalists, in alphabetical order, are:
Teacher | Nofoaga Lavelave | Aoga | Subject or Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
Laurie Chang | Kaimukī-McKinley-Roosevelt | Ali'iolani Elementary | English Language Arts and Math |
Laura Cummings | Castle-Kahuku | Sunset Beach Elementary | Math and Science |
Pinky Grace Francisco | Ka‘ū-Keaʻau-Pāhoa | Ka‘ū High & Pāhala Elementary | English Language Arts |
Jackie Freitas | Leilehua-Mililani-Waialua | Leilehua High | Natural Resources |
David “Kawika” Gonzales Jr. | Hāna-Lāhaināluna-Lānaʻi-Molokai | Kaunakakai Elementary | vasega 5 |
Marina Higa | 'Aiea-Moanalua-Radford | Major General William R. Shafter Elementary | A'oa'oga Fa'apitoa |
Jennifer Ilaban | Honoka'a-Kealakehe-Kohala-Konawaena | Kahakai Elementary | English Language Arts |
Gregory Kent | Kailua-Kalāheo | Kailua Elementary | STEM |
Kara Kitamura | Kapaʻa-Kauaʻi-Waimea | Kapa'a Maualuga | Science and Career Technical Education |
Jessica Peterson | Penina Aai-Waipahu | Aukuso Ahrens Elementary | A'oga |
Christopher Pike | Hilo-Waiākea | Tama'ita'i Sili Kapi'olani Elementary | vasega 5 |
Norman Ray Sales | Farrington-Kaiser-Kalani | Governor Wallace Rider Farrington High | School Strategic Planner and Academy Coach |
John “Parker” Sawyer | Public Charter Schools | Kaʻohao School | STEM |
Donna Soriano | Nānākuli-Waiʻanae | Wai'anae Elementary | STEM and Computer Science |
Melanie Teraoka | Baldwin-Kekaulike-Kūlanihākoʻi-Maui | Waihee Elementary | Reading Coach |
Ariel Villanueva | Campbell-Kapolei | ‘Ewa Makai Middle | Industrial Engineering and Technology |
